Five water charge protesters sentenced for contempt of court

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

For contempt of court, Bernie Hughes, Derek Byrne and Michael Batty each received 28 days in prison, while Paul Moore and Damien O’Neill each received 56 days, comprising a previously suspended 28-day sentence from November and a further 28-day term.

Mr Justice Paul Gilligan imposed the sentences at the Criminal Courts of Justice on 19 February 2015.

Michael Batty did not attend court on 19 February 2015. He spent part of the year in Lanzarote because of health problems. His solicitor, Cahir O’Higgins, said his client apologised for missing the hearings held that week.

Cahir O’Higgins said Michael Batty would agree to a bond and promise to comply with the order requiring protesters to remain 20 metres from the works. Michael Batty would have to appear personally before the court to purge his contempt.

The four respondents found in contempt who attended court refused to agree to a bond or promise not to interfere with the works. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan described the protesters’ conduct as harassment and intimidation directed at GMC workers.

Mark Egan and Richard Larkin were cleared on 19 February 2015 and could leave the courthouse.